Austin New Construction Homes $350K-$500K: 2026 Guide

Bottom line: $350K-$500K is the most competitive new construction price tier in the Austin metro right now. Sixteen communities across Pflugerville, Leander, Round Rock, and Georgetown fall in this range, with 10+ builders fighting for buyers. That means incentives, leverage, and options that do not exist at lower or higher price points.

I work this price tier more than any other. Most of my Austin buyer clients land between $350K and $500K — it is where first-time buyers, young families, and relocation buyers converge. Because so many builders target this range, you have real negotiating power. Here is every community worth looking at, organized by location.

For the full metro overview, see the 2026 Austin new construction master guide.

What $350K-$500K Gets You in 2026

At $350K, you are looking at a 3-bedroom home around 1,500-1,800 sqft with standard builder finishes — vinyl plank flooring, laminate countertops, builder-grade appliances. Functional, not flashy. Most of these are in Pflugerville or Georgetown.

At $500K, you step into 4-5 bedrooms, 2,200-2,700 sqft, granite or quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and sometimes a covered patio. Some builders include a fireplace or a downstairs master at this price. You get options in Pflugerville, Leander ISD, and Round Rock ISD.

For context: three years ago, $350K got you a 4-bedroom home in Pflugerville with a 2-car garage and decent finishes. Today that same home is $420K-$450K. The $350K buyer now gets fewer bedrooms or a smaller lot. That is the market reality.

The median sale price in Leander hit $451,210 in February 2026. New construction at $465K-$500K is competitive with resale, and you get a warranty, builder incentives, and no deferred maintenance.

Pflugerville — The Volume Leader

Pflugerville dominates this price tier. Eight communities from eight different builders compete within a few miles of each other along the Toll 130 and SH 45 corridor. That concentration creates buyer leverage that does not exist anywhere else in the metro.

Here is how they stack up, sorted by entry price:

Trails at Wildhorse — Grand-Opening Pricing

Builder: Various | Price: $340K-$500K | Size: 1,600-3,000 sqft | Beds: 3-5 | School: Pflugerville ISD

Grand-opening phase pricing is the best pricing a community will ever have. Builders price early lots aggressively to generate traffic and establish the community. If you can tolerate living in a construction zone for a year, this is where your dollar stretches furthest.

Trails at Carmel — Widest Range, One Builder

Builder: Ashton Woods | Price: $350K-$705K | Size: 1,512-4,007 sqft | Beds: 3-5 | School: Pflugerville ISD (Weiss HS)

Ashton Woods is running 40s, 50s, and 60s lot collections here, which means you can enter at $350K on a 40-foot lot or scale up to $700K+ on a 60-foot lot. That range under one builder simplifies the buying process — one design center, one contract template, one warranty structure. Models are opening in late spring 2026.

Preserve at Lakeside Meadows — Energy Efficiency Standard

Builder: Meritage Homes | Price: $370K-$520K | Size: 1,800-3,200 sqft | Beds: 3-5 | School: Pflugerville ISD

Meritage’s energy-efficiency package is standard on every home, not an upgrade. That includes spray-foam insulation, ENERGY STAR appliances, low-E windows, and a HERS score that typically runs 20-30% better than code. On a $450K home, expect $50-$80/month lower utility bills versus a code-minimum build. Greenbelt lots available at a premium.

Lisso — Best for Tech Commuters

Builder: Taylor Morrison | Price: $409K-$610K (across 40s, 50s, 60s lots) | Size: 1,643-2,902 sqft | Beds: 3-5 | School: Pflugerville ISD

Taylor Morrison builds across three lot sizes here. The 50s collection starts at $409,885 and is where most of my clients land. The Lavaca floor plan — 5 beds with a downstairs master — is the standout; a downstairs master at this price point is unusual in the Austin metro. Community pool, pickleball, and soccer are included in the amenity package. Samsung, Dell, Tesla, and Apple are all within 15-20 minutes via Toll 130.

Enclave at Cele — Elevated Finishes

Builder: GFO Homes | Price: $380K-$530K | Size: 1,800-3,000 sqft | Beds: 3-5 | School: Pflugerville ISD

GFO positions this as “affordable luxury,” and the standard finishes reflect it — better cabinets, upgraded lighting, and included features that other builders charge extra for. GFO is a smaller builder, which means less name recognition but more flexibility on incentives and customization.

Kuempel Estates — Pulte’s Pflugerville Play

Builder: Pulte Homes | Price: $390K-$550K | Size: 1,900-3,100 sqft | Beds: 3-5 | School: Pflugerville ISD

Pulte’s Doucette and Gillette floor plans are the headliners. Pulte is a national builder with a strong warranty program and a preferred lender (Pulte Mortgage) that often delivers competitive rate buydowns. If builder reputation and warranty backing matter to you, Pulte is a safe bet.

Village at Northtown — Build-to-Order

Builder: KB Home | Price: $468K-$550K | Size: 1,548-2,586 sqft | Beds: 3-4 | School: Pflugerville ISD

KB Home’s build-to-order model means you choose your lot, floor plan, and finishes from a menu — more control than a spec home, but you wait 5-7 months for delivery. KB’s pricing transparency is a plus: the website shows base prices and itemized upgrade costs before you visit the sales office.

The Grove at Blackhawk — Premium Amenities

Builder: Chesmar Homes | Price: $469K-$749K | Size: 1,931-3,033 sqft | Beds: 3-5 | School: Pflugerville ISD

Sixteen floor plans. Lagoon pool, Olympic pool, hike-and-bike trails, sports courts, and a clubhouse. No HOA fees, which is unusual for a community with this level of amenities — that alone saves $2,000-$4,000/year versus comparable communities. The entry point at $469K gets you into a community that would cost $600K+ in Leander or Round Rock. Currently 13 homes available, including 4 move-in ready.

Pflugerville Summary

Eight communities. Eight builders. Entry prices from $340K to $469K. If you are flexible on which community, you can pit builders against each other on incentives. That is the Pflugerville advantage.

For the full Pflugerville breakdown, see the Pflugerville new construction guide.

Leander ISD Under $500K — The Family Play

Leander ISD is the draw. It is one of the top-rated school districts in the Austin metro, and families pay a premium for it. But four new construction communities put Leander ISD within reach under $500K — if you know where to look.

Edgewood — National Builder, Broad Selection

Builder: MI Homes | Price: $430K-$620K | Size: 1,900-3,300 sqft | Beds: 3-5 | School: Leander ISD

MI Homes is a publicly traded national builder, which means financial stability and a warranty backed by real assets. At $430K entry, this is the most affordable way into Leander ISD with new construction and 4+ bedrooms. The mid-range plans around $480K-$520K are the value sweet spot.

Hawkes Landing — Single-Story, Lake Views

Builder: Brightland Homes | Price: $464K-$824K | Size: 2,430-4,338 sqft | Beds: 3-5 | School: Leander ISD

Brightland offers single-story options with 3-car garages and private trail access to Devine Lake. The entry-level Classic Series starts in the mid-$460s and gets you into Leander ISD with a single-story layout. The premium for a single-story versus two-story is real, but for buyers who want to age in place or just hate stairs, Hawkes Landing is the community to see.

Horizon Lake — Final Phase

Builder: Pulte Homes | Price: $376K-$575K | Size: 1,645-2,932 sqft | Beds: 4-5 | School: Leander ISD

This is the last chance at Horizon Lake — the community is in its final phase with 5 move-in ready homes remaining. Pulte’s Nelson and Riverdale plans are the most popular. At $376K entry (web-sourced pricing, lower than previous estimates), this may be the single most affordable path into Leander ISD new construction right now. Priced 10%+ below the area average. If Leander ISD is your priority and budget is tight, check this one first.

Parkside Peninsula — Boutique Size

Builder: Highland Homes | Price: $490K-$680K | Size: 2,100-3,400 sqft | Beds: 3-5 | School: Leander ISD

At roughly 200 homes, Parkside Peninsula is small by Austin standards. Highland Homes is a Texas-based builder with a strong reputation for build quality. The $490K entry is the highest on this list, but Highland’s included features often match what other builders charge $20K-$30K in upgrades for. The smaller community size also means less construction traffic and faster buildout.

Leander ISD Summary

Four communities. Four builders. Entry from $376K (Horizon Lake final phase) to $490K (Parkside Peninsula). Leander ISD commands a 10-15% premium over Pflugerville ISD for comparable homes — but the school district reputation makes it worth it for families who plan to stay.

For the full Leander breakdown, see the Leander new construction guide.

Round Rock and Austin — Shorter Commutes

If your priority is commute time to the tech corridor (Dell, Apple, Samsung), Round Rock and north Austin addresses cut 10-15 minutes off the daily drive versus Pflugerville or Leander.

Saul’s Ranch — Best Schools in Round Rock ISD

Builder: MileStone / Coventry | Price: $420K-$620K | Size: 1,900-3,400 sqft | Beds: 3-5 | School: Round Rock ISD

Zoned to some of the best-rated schools in Round Rock ISD, including Fern Bluff Elementary and Round Rock High School. The hike-and-bike trails connect to the Brushy Creek trail system. MileStone and Coventry both build here, which gives you two builders to compare within one community. Round Rock Premium Outlets, Dell Diamond, and Old Settlers Park are all nearby.

Sonoma Heights — Austin Address, Round Rock ISD

Builder: Coventry Homes | Price: $378K-$600K | Size: 1,800-3,200 sqft | Beds: 3-5 | School: Round Rock ISD

Austin mailing address with Round Rock ISD schools — that combination is hard to find under $500K. Coventry offers both single-family and townhome floor plans here. Located about 10 minutes from Dell headquarters. Note: some plans in this community have sold out, so check current availability before visiting.

For the full Round Rock breakdown, see the Round Rock new construction guide.

Georgetown — More Land, Lower Costs

Georgetown offers two things the closer-in suburbs cannot: larger lots and a Hill Country setting. The trade-off is a longer commute (30-40 minutes to downtown Austin, 20-25 minutes to the tech corridor). Both communities below are in Liberty Hill ISD.

Parkside on the River — River Setting

Builder: Taylor Morrison | Price: $463K-$700K | Size: 2,000-3,500 sqft | Beds: 3-5 | School: Liberty Hill ISD

Taylor Morrison is offering 45s, 50s, and 60s lot collections here, with the 50s starting at $463,990. The San Gabriel River setting and Hill Country views are the differentiator — no Pflugerville community can match this on natural scenery. Current promotion: no down payment and no closing costs through Taylor Morrison Home Funding through April 30, 2026.

Morningstar — Lowest Entry in Georgetown

Builder: Meritage Homes | Price: $305K-$480K (Americana and Reserve Collections) | Size: 1,509-3,200 sqft | Beds: 3-5 | School: Liberty Hill ISD

Morningstar is a large master-planned community with multiple collections. The Americana Collection starts under $310K for smaller homes, while the Reserve Collection starts at $381,990 for larger plans. Amenities include a covered pavilion, firepit, fishing pond, pool, dog park, trail system, and sports park. Meritage’s standard energy-efficiency package applies here as well.

For the full Georgetown breakdown, see the Georgetown new construction guide.

Builder Incentives in the $350K-$500K Range

This is where incentives are most aggressive in 2026. Builders in the $350K-$500K range are competing for the largest pool of buyers in the metro, and they know it.

What I am seeing across communities right now:

• Rate buydowns: 4.875%-5.25% range through preferred lenders (versus 6.5%+ market rates). On a $450K home, a buydown to 4.99% saves roughly $200/month compared to a 6.5% rate.
• Closing cost credits: $5,000-$15,000 toward buyer closing costs, sometimes covering the full amount.
• Design center credits: $5,000-$15,000 toward upgrades (flooring, countertops, cabinets, appliances).
• Quick-move-in (QMI) incentives: Spec homes that are built and sitting get the deepest cuts — builders want to reduce carrying costs. I have seen total incentive packages reach $25,000-$30,000 on QMI homes in this price range.
• Taylor Morrison is currently running a no-down-payment, no-closing-cost promotion through their in-house lender (through April 30, 2026).
• MI Homes is offering 4.875% rates through MI Financial with up to 2% paid closing costs.

The key: incentives change monthly. What a builder offers today may not exist in 30 days. Always confirm current incentives before visiting a sales office, and always compare the builder’s preferred lender against an outside lender before committing.

For more on negotiating builder incentives, see how to save $5K+ on new construction and new construction mistakes to avoid.

How to Compare Communities at This Price Point

With 16 communities in one price range, comparison shopping is essential. Here is the framework I use with clients:

1. School district first. Pflugerville ISD, Leander ISD, Round Rock ISD, and Liberty Hill ISD all serve communities in this price range. If you have school-age children, this is the single biggest decision. Leander ISD and Round Rock ISD are the top-rated options. Pflugerville ISD is solid and improving. Liberty Hill ISD is newer and growing.

2. Commute time second. Map your actual commute during rush hour, not Google Maps at 2 PM on a Sunday. Pflugerville to downtown Austin is 25-40 minutes. Leander to downtown is 35-50 minutes. Round Rock to the tech corridor is 10-20 minutes. Georgetown adds another 10-15 minutes to everything.

3. MUD taxes third. Many new construction communities sit in Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) that add 0.5-1.0% to your property tax rate. On a $450K home, that is $2,250-$4,500/year in extra taxes. Always ask for the MUD disclosure and calculate your Year 2 tax bill — not the Year 1 estimate the builder shows you.

4. Builder reputation fourth. National builders (Pulte, Meritage, MI Homes, KB Home, Taylor Morrison) have standardized processes and strong warranties. Regional builders (Chesmar, Highland, Brightland, GFO) often offer better included features and more customization flexibility. Neither is universally better.

5. Amenities last. Pools, trails, and playgrounds are nice, but they are funded by HOA fees. The Grove at Blackhawk is the exception — full amenity package with no HOA. Compare monthly HOA costs across communities before you fall in love with a pool you will use three months a year.

For more on what to watch out for, read new construction mistakes Austin buyers make and which upgrades have the highest ROI.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I get for $350K-$500K in Austin new construction?

In the $350K-$500K range, you can get a 3-5 bedroom single-family home with 1,700-3,100 sqft and a 2-car garage in communities across Pflugerville, Leander, Round Rock, Georgetown, and Austin. This is the most competitive price tier with the most builder options in the metro.

Can I get into Leander ISD for under $500K with new construction?

Yes. Horizon Lake by Pulte starts at $376K, Edgewood by MI Homes starts at $430K, Hawkes Landing by Brightland starts at $464K, and Parkside Peninsula by Highland Homes starts at $490K — all in Leander ISD. These are the sweet-spot communities for families who want top schools without crossing $500K.

Which Austin suburb has the most new construction options between $350K and $500K?

Pflugerville has the most options by far. At least 8 communities fall in this range: Lisso, Trails at Carmel, Preserve at Lakeside Meadows, Kuempel Estates, Enclave at Cele, Trails at Wildhorse, Village at Northtown, and The Grove at Blackhawk. Multiple builders compete, which gives buyers more leverage.

What builder incentives are available on $350K-$500K homes in Austin?

Common incentives include rate buydowns to the 4.99-5.25% range, closing cost credits of $5K-$15K, design center credits of $5K-$15K, and free upgrade packages. Quick-move-in (spec) homes typically get the deepest incentives because builders want to reduce carrying costs. Total incentive packages on QMI homes in this range can reach $25,000-$30,000.

Is $400K-$500K enough for a family home in Austin new construction?

Yes. At $400K-$500K you can get a 4-5 bedroom home with 2,000-2,700 sqft in Pflugerville ISD or a 4-bedroom with 2,000+ sqft in Leander ISD. This is the family home sweet spot — large enough for a growing family, in a real school district, with a 2-car garage.

Work With Me

I am a new construction specialist in the Austin metro and have helped buyers save over $100,000 on new home purchases in 2026 alone. I know which builders are most flexible, which communities are overpriced, and which incentives are actually worth taking. Registration with the builder before your first visit is critical — once you walk in alone, you may lose the ability to bring an agent later.

Reach out or call (512) 766-3188 to get registered before you visit any sales office. Read more about my approach or start with the 2026 Austin new construction master guide.